Prayagraj's Historic Azad Library Faces Imminent Damage from Leaking Roof and Structural Decay
The Amar Saheed Chandra Shekhar Azad Municipal Library, a cultural landmark in Prayagraj's Civil Lines area, is in a state of severe distress, with hundreds of books at risk of permanent damage due to a leaking roof and a dilapidated building structure. Located on MG Marg, this library, which has served the community for over five decades, now cries out for immediate attention as its condition deteriorates rapidly.
Visual Evidence of Neglect and Water Damage
The library's current state is vividly illustrated by its damaged tin shade roof, cracked walls, water-stained bookshelves, and floors that form puddles during the monsoon season. According to the lone library staff member, the tin roof structure allows water to seep into the building during rains, damaging not only the walls but also the precious books housed within. The walls have developed significant cracks, contributing to the overall dilapidated appearance and raising concerns about structural integrity.
The staff warned, "This neglect threatens not just the books but could compromise the building's stability if no action is taken before the next monsoon." The library, originally inaugurated by municipal authorities in February 1980, was renamed in September 2006 to honor martyr Chandra Shekhar Azad during his birth centenary year, adding historical significance to its preservation needs.
Neighboring Buildings Also Affected by Water Leakage
The leaking roof has not only impacted the library but has also left adjacent building owners perplexed and fearful for their properties. Pankaj Mehrotra, owner of a building sharing a common boundary wall with the library, reported that his structure has developed several cracks due to water leakage. "We have appealed to the municipal corporation authorities multiple times, but all in vain," he stated, emphasizing that the library's walls are in such bad condition they might collapse at any moment.
Mehrotra added, "We urgently requested the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation (PMC) to repair the walls promptly to prevent extensive damage to surrounding buildings." This situation highlights the broader risk to the area's infrastructure, with monsoon seasons exacerbating the leakage issues and potentially leading to more severe consequences.
Authorities Respond with Inspection and Renovation Plans
When contacted, a senior PMC official acknowledged the issue, stating that a team has been deputed to inspect the site and submit a report to facilitate necessary repairs. "We were previously unaware of the leaky roof, but a renovation plan for the library will now be taken up," the official admitted. This response comes after years of complaints from locals and library staff, who have expressed hope that authorities will finally address the long-standing neglect.
Local residents corroborated that the library has been lying in a state of neglect for several years, with its more than five-decade-old structure deteriorating without adequate maintenance. The library staff remains cautiously optimistic, urging immediate action to safeguard both the literary collection and the building's structural safety before the next rainy season arrives.
